Williamstown Planners Continue Master Plan Review

Planning Board member Pat Dunlavey advocated for safer bicycle access on town roads during a review of the master plan.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Planning Board on Tuesday continued its review of the town's 11-year-old master plan and proposed specific changes aimed to improve active recreation on open space and accessibility of roads for bicyclists.

The board read through the 2002 document's recommendations in two areas: "open space and recreation" and "cultural, natural and historic resources."

By and large, the planners found little worth changing from the proposals laid out by their predecessors, though they noted at times the statements in the '02 plan were "more aspirational than actionable."

One area that drew the panel's attention came in the recreation and open space section, specifically the sentence, "Local roads should be considered bicycle routes."

Planner Pat Dunlavey argued strongly that the town needs to do more to advocate for safe bicycle access on both local and state roads that pass through the municipality.

Dunlavey pointed to the installation of rumble strips on Route 7 in South Williamstown in 2009. The addition of the driver safety measure was cited for the cancellation of the Shaun Thornton Memorial Jiminy Peak Road Race, a bicycle race that was contested for nearly three decades.

"This is an action item, and someone needs to have that item in his head when they're talking to the state," Dunlavey said.

Town Planner Andrew Groff, who advises the Planning Board, recommended that the panel should bring its concerns to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, where such large projects are vetted.

"When all the background work gets done between the town and state on these projects, Town Hall needs more impetus from the town," Dunlavey said.

Dunlavey proposed that the board amend the master plan to include a separate action item calling on the town and Selectmen to "actively advocate for safer design and wider shoulders for bicyclists on town and state roadways."

Planner Chris Winters prompted a discussion about adding language in the master plan to encourage the development of community gardens in the village center.

Chairwoman Ann McCallum questioned whether such gardens were relevant in a town in which the vast majority of residents live in single-family homes, but Winters made a persuasive case for the endeavors.

"For 'X' number who don't have a back yard or if they're renters ... or perhaps the conditions are unfavorable or if it turns what often is a solitary activity into a social activity," community gardens are beneficial, Winters said.

Groff pointed to the example of a successful community garden in Pittsfield that is located in a neighborhood of single-family homes where residents simply enjoy the social aspect of gardening on a common plot of land.

The newest member of the board, Carol Stein-Payne, listens to Town Planner Andrew Groff at Tuesday's meeting.

Dunlavey crafted language calling for an addition to the master plan that encourages the Selectmen to, "pursue any opportunities for creating small-scale open space within the Village Business District and general residence one areas of town suitable for community gardens, playgrounds and park benches."

The planners suggested a minor change to the "cultural, natural and historic resources" section of the plan, which called, in part, for the town to "maintain sites that give access to the vistas and special places that define our sense of place."

Dunlavey recommended the language be changed to read that the town "work to promote the establishment of sites that give access to the vistas and special places that define our sense of place."

"If there is an opportunity, we're instructing the town to take advantage of it," he said.

In other business on Tuesday, the Planning Board welcomed its newest member, Carol Stein-Payne, and elected a new slate of officers. Winters was elected chairman, Elizabeth McGowan was voted vice chairwoman, McCallum takes over as secretary and Dunlavey will serve as the board's representative to the BRPC. Winters will continue to fill the Planning Board's seat on the town's Community Preservation Committee.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.